Wildcard Round Power Rankings
Updated: January 2, 2013
32. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)
Kansas City has done some right things. They sealed the number one pick in epic fashion and they fired Romeo Crennel. However, I do not understand why Clark Hunt is keeping Pioli around. I seriously doubt they will grab a good head coach candidate that wants to keep him very badly. Just make the move.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14)
Jacksonville begins yet another rebuilding phase. This time they really need to land the franchise quarterback first. No way can they go with the Gabbert/Henne duo next season. However, no way can we expect a certain #15 to be that guy either
30. Oakland Raiders (4-12)
The Raiders wisely stayed the course with their new regime, but questions remain for these guys. Mainly, what is the plan at quarterback? Carson Palmer was basically average this year, and he is owed a pretty penny, but is there a better option for this team? This is just one of the issues McKenzie and Allen are facing.
29. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12)
The resurgence of Mike Vick didn’t go so well as the Eagles were blown out. The Reid era also comes to an end and rightfully so. He is a great coach and will be successful elsewhere. In my opinion, the Eagles should push hard for Chip Kelly, let him acquire Geno Smith, and run his up tempo system with them and Bryce Brown and LeSean McCoy.
28. Detroit Lions (4-12)
The Lions are right back to where they are used to being. They need to find out if this is a one-year setback for a young team, or a sign of things to come. If 2011 was the anomaly then Jim Schwartz and Martin Mayhew must become more authoritative and end the thug4life mystique building around the Lions.
27. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
Ken Whisenhunt is a very good coach, but he fell victim to a poor quarterback situation. Should Arizona land Andy Reid it will be interesting to see if he sticks with Kevin Kolb, who he liked in Philly, or if he goes in another direction. Kolb played well when this team was 4-0 and if the offensive tackle situation is fixed we may just find that he is a pretty good quarterback.
26. New York Jets (6-10)
Mike Tannenbuam was fired as GM, which was a no brainer, but the team seems to be keeping Rex Ryan around. This is an interesting decision because it is very hard to attract a GM candidate when you tell him he has to keep the head coach. Then again the Jets have not been making Rex or owner Woody Johnson available to the media (despite that it is a league rule that they must do so by the end of the week) so nobody knows what is going on there. So, it’s business as usual for the NFL’s biggest circus.
25. Tennessee Titans (6-10)
The Titans must have showed Bud Adams something by beating the lowly Jags, because he kept Mike Munchack around for another year. However, Adams shook things up in the front office. Adams has made things difficult for his franchise in his handling of the Jeff Fisher firing and his pursuit of Peyton Manning. Frankly, he needs to take a hard look in the mirror if he wants to see his Titans become a competitive team again.
24. Buffalo Bills (6-10)
The Bills are going forward without Chan Gailey, yet another hire that I never understood, but I do not understand why they are delaying the inevitable with keeping GM Buddy Nix. The Bills have some pieces to build around and by getting a good coach (Whisenhunt or Lovie Smith?) they could perhaps finally turn things around.
23. Cleveland Browns (5-11)
See what I said about the Bills and exchange Pat Shurmur for Chan Gailey. The Browns also have some nice young pieces and this new ownership is right to clear out the ridiculous power structure that Mike Holmgren put in place. Now it is imperative for the next coaching staff to figure out if Weeden can be a franchise quarterback.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
Overall, it’s hard to say if the first year of the Schiano era was a success. A few months ago you would be saying yes, but now after another late season collapse, it is questionable. Schiano needs to be a little introspective and maybe come to the conclusion that he cannot treat these professionals as college boys and work them to the bone.
21. San Diego Chargers (7-9)
San Diego made the move to fire AJ Smith and Norv Turner a year too late. This move should have been made last year but the Spanos family got a little too complacent, for whatever reason. The Chargers have Phillip Rivers, but this team needs a ton of work.
20. Miami Dolphins (7-9)
The Dolphins had a successful first year and they have some good young players to build with. Tannehill looks like the answer at quarterback and there are defenders that are building blocks. They need to focus all their resources on building a supporting cast around Tannehill.
19. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1)
This must be considered a successful first year for Jeff Fisher’s Rams. They were especially good in the NFC West division and played the majority of their opponents very tough. With all the picks in tow from the RG3 trade, watch out for the Rams in the future.
18. New Orleans Saints (7-9)
The Saints get Sean Payton back soon, but there are some issues the Saints need to address. The defensive side of the ball was a total nightmare and frankly needs to be overhauled. Not only that, but Payton needs to change the arrogant culture that was allowed to permeate the Saints during the bounty years. Reports coming out with players trashing Steve Spagnuolo, while singing the praises of Gregg Williams, are the type of things I am talking about. Remember, it was Payton who decided to let go of Williams before the bounty situation surfaced.
17. Carolina Panthers (7-9)
The Panthers finished on a very high note as they went from 2-8 to finish 5-1. The Panthers have a very tough decision to make with Ron Rivera, and they are rightfully taking their time on it. It stinks for Rivera to twist in the wind a little, but owner Jerry Richardson needs to make sure his next GM is on board with Rivera before making a decision, and if he is not, then go from there.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)
The Steelers were a massive disappointment this year and they frankly need to look at where they are right now. The defense needs an injection of youth and a consistent, stable running back would go a long way for this offense. We saw what happens if they rely totally on Ben Roethlisberger this year. He is an elite player, but he is not perfect.
15. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
Tony Romo threw three interceptions and this team squandered its shot at the NFC East title and a playoff berth. Romo needs to be realled in as he clearly isn’t the type to carry a franchise. The offense needs an influx of new talent, expecially on the line and the backfield. If I were Dallas I would rid myself of Rob Ryan. He has never really been the head of any good defenses and this year was no different. Let me be clear, if his last name was not Ryan he would not be the defensive coordinator of the Cowboys. He takes authority away from head coach Jason Garrett and is more harm than good.
14. New York Giants (9-7)
The Giants found out this year that 9-7 will not get you into the postseason every year. Will they be able to end that mindset? If this year didn’t make them see that it cannot be like that, I don’t know what will. It should be a year of some small change for the Giants.
13. Chicago Bears (10-6)
The Lovie Smith era came to a surprising end on Monday. I think in the end it was the correct move. GM Phil Emery gave a long and tedious press conference, but he showed that he is the right analytical mind for the job. He now needs to get a head coach he can be compatible with.
12. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
The Bengals are the 12th ranked team because I think they are probably the weakest playoff team at this moment. However, I won’t be surprised if they actually beat the Texans this time around in a rematch of last year’s playoff meeting.
11. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
What a great effort by the Vikings in their victory over the Packers. Adrian Peterson was unreal as usual. Will the Vikings be able to duplicate the results this weekend? They will need a similar effort by Christian Ponder to upset the Packers in their house.
10. Houston Texans (12-4)
The Texans are floundering. They lost to two teams that they are certainly more talented then to close out the season. Will they be one and done in the playoffs? They better not be.
9. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
Ray Lewis is probably going to play his last game in Baltimore this weekend. I was going to pick the Colts to upset the Ravens, now I am really not so sure about that. This is going to be the “Run for Ray” and I am not sure the Ravens will let it go out in the first round.
8. Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
The Colts also carry a ton of inspiration with coach Chuck Pagano back in the fold. This is going ot be a very interesting matchup to watch and disect and it is very hard for me to wish either team ill as they are both playing for higher causes.
7. Washington Redskins (10-6)
The Redskins took care of business on the back of their stellar rookie runner Alfred Morris. They face a tough challenge when the Seahawks come to town on Sunday. I cannot imagine that the Seahawks defense will allow them to run like Dallas did, so more will be asked of an injured RG3.
6. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)
The Niners took care of business against the lowly Cardinals on Sunday and they got the coveted first-round bye. They need to use the week off as a way to put together a complete game plan on offense. They have not truly found an identity with Kaepernick under center and they will need to find that before the divisional round next week.
5. Seattle Seahawks (11-5)*
Seattle had a tough game against the rival Rams on Sunday, but Wilson carried his team to yet another win. However, they face another stellar young rookie signal caller on Sunday. This defense gets Brandon Browner back for the playoffs and that only makes an awesome defense even better. The Seahawks must prove they are a great road team in the playoffs.
4. Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
The Falcons looked a little confused as to how they wanted to play on Sunday as far as resting starters. The team has elected to practice through the bye week which is a good move considering they cannot get complacent given their history. The pressure will be on next week.
3. Green Bay Packers (11-5)*
The Packers lost last week, but I still consider them the top team in the NFC. I expect them to win against the Vikings in the rematch and they will be a tough opponent for either the Falcons or Niners the following week.
2. New England Patriots (12-4)
New England decided to show their dominance, and gain a bye, by shutting out the Dolphins in week 17. The Patriots will be rested and ready for whatever unlucky team faces them next week.
1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
A good team has not challenged the Broncos for weeks now, but they also didn’t let any of those other teams hang around. Peyton Manning needs to make sure he lets these young players know that nothing from the last 17 weeks matters. It all starts over now.
32. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)
Kansas City has done some right things. They sealed the number one pick in epic fashion and they fired Romeo Crennel. However, I do not understand why Clark Hunt is keeping Pioli around. I seriously doubt they will grab a good head coach candidate that wants to keep him very badly. Just make the move.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14)
Jacksonville begins yet another rebuilding phase. This time they really need to land the franchise quarterback first. No way can they go with the Gabbert/Henne duo next season. However, no way can we expect a certain #15 to be that guy either
30. Oakland Raiders (4-12)
The Raiders wisely stayed the course with their new regime, but questions remain for these guys. Mainly, what is the plan at quarterback? Carson Palmer was basically average this year, and he is owed a pretty penny, but is there a better option for this team? This is just one of the issues McKenzie and Allen are facing.
29. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12)
The resurgence of Mike Vick didn’t go so well as the Eagles were blown out. The Reid era also comes to an end and rightfully so. He is a great coach and will be successful elsewhere. In my opinion, the Eagles should push hard for Chip Kelly, let him acquire Geno Smith, and run his up tempo system with them and Bryce Brown and LeSean McCoy.
28. Detroit Lions (4-12)
The Lions are right back to where they are used to being. They need to find out if this is a one-year setback for a young team, or a sign of things to come. If 2011 was the anomaly then Jim Schwartz and Martin Mayhew must become more authoritative and end the thug4life mystique building around the Lions.
27. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
Ken Whisenhunt is a very good coach, but he fell victim to a poor quarterback situation. Should Arizona land Andy Reid it will be interesting to see if he sticks with Kevin Kolb, who he liked in Philly, or if he goes in another direction. Kolb played well when this team was 4-0 and if the offensive tackle situation is fixed we may just find that he is a pretty good quarterback.
26. New York Jets (6-10)
Mike Tannenbuam was fired as GM, which was a no brainer, but the team seems to be keeping Rex Ryan around. This is an interesting decision because it is very hard to attract a GM candidate when you tell him he has to keep the head coach. Then again the Jets have not been making Rex or owner Woody Johnson available to the media (despite that it is a league rule that they must do so by the end of the week) so nobody knows what is going on there. So, it’s business as usual for the NFL’s biggest circus.
25. Tennessee Titans (6-10)
The Titans must have showed Bud Adams something by beating the lowly Jags, because he kept Mike Munchack around for another year. However, Adams shook things up in the front office. Adams has made things difficult for his franchise in his handling of the Jeff Fisher firing and his pursuit of Peyton Manning. Frankly, he needs to take a hard look in the mirror if he wants to see his Titans become a competitive team again.
24. Buffalo Bills (6-10)
The Bills are going forward without Chan Gailey, yet another hire that I never understood, but I do not understand why they are delaying the inevitable with keeping GM Buddy Nix. The Bills have some pieces to build around and by getting a good coach (Whisenhunt or Lovie Smith?) they could perhaps finally turn things around.
23. Cleveland Browns (5-11)
See what I said about the Bills and exchange Pat Shurmur for Chan Gailey. The Browns also have some nice young pieces and this new ownership is right to clear out the ridiculous power structure that Mike Holmgren put in place. Now it is imperative for the next coaching staff to figure out if Weeden can be a franchise quarterback.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
Overall, it’s hard to say if the first year of the Schiano era was a success. A few months ago you would be saying yes, but now after another late season collapse, it is questionable. Schiano needs to be a little introspective and maybe come to the conclusion that he cannot treat these professionals as college boys and work them to the bone.
21. San Diego Chargers (7-9)
San Diego made the move to fire AJ Smith and Norv Turner a year too late. This move should have been made last year but the Spanos family got a little too complacent, for whatever reason. The Chargers have Phillip Rivers, but this team needs a ton of work.
20. Miami Dolphins (7-9)
The Dolphins had a successful first year and they have some good young players to build with. Tannehill looks like the answer at quarterback and there are defenders that are building blocks. They need to focus all their resources on building a supporting cast around Tannehill.
19. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1)
This must be considered a successful first year for Jeff Fisher’s Rams. They were especially good in the NFC West division and played the majority of their opponents very tough. With all the picks in tow from the RG3 trade, watch out for the Rams in the future.
18. New Orleans Saints (7-9)
The Saints get Sean Payton back soon, but there are some issues the Saints need to address. The defensive side of the ball was a total nightmare and frankly needs to be overhauled. Not only that, but Payton needs to change the arrogant culture that was allowed to permeate the Saints during the bounty years. Reports coming out with players trashing Steve Spagnuolo, while singing the praises of Gregg Williams, are the type of things I am talking about. Remember, it was Payton who decided to let go of Williams before the bounty situation surfaced.
17. Carolina Panthers (7-9)
The Panthers finished on a very high note as they went from 2-8 to finish 5-1. The Panthers have a very tough decision to make with Ron Rivera, and they are rightfully taking their time on it. It stinks for Rivera to twist in the wind a little, but owner Jerry Richardson needs to make sure his next GM is on board with Rivera before making a decision, and if he is not, then go from there.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)
The Steelers were a massive disappointment this year and they frankly need to look at where they are right now. The defense needs an injection of youth and a consistent, stable running back would go a long way for this offense. We saw what happens if they rely totally on Ben Roethlisberger this year. He is an elite player, but he is not perfect.
15. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
Tony Romo threw three interceptions and this team squandered its shot at the NFC East title and a playoff berth. Romo needs to be realled in as he clearly isn’t the type to carry a franchise. The offense needs an influx of new talent, expecially on the line and the backfield. If I were Dallas I would rid myself of Rob Ryan. He has never really been the head of any good defenses and this year was no different. Let me be clear, if his last name was not Ryan he would not be the defensive coordinator of the Cowboys. He takes authority away from head coach Jason Garrett and is more harm than good.
14. New York Giants (9-7)
The Giants found out this year that 9-7 will not get you into the postseason every year. Will they be able to end that mindset? If this year didn’t make them see that it cannot be like that, I don’t know what will. It should be a year of some small change for the Giants.
13. Chicago Bears (10-6)
The Lovie Smith era came to a surprising end on Monday. I think in the end it was the correct move. GM Phil Emery gave a long and tedious press conference, but he showed that he is the right analytical mind for the job. He now needs to get a head coach he can be compatible with.
12. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
The Bengals are the 12th ranked team because I think they are probably the weakest playoff team at this moment. However, I won’t be surprised if they actually beat the Texans this time around in a rematch of last year’s playoff meeting.
11. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
What a great effort by the Vikings in their victory over the Packers. Adrian Peterson was unreal as usual. Will the Vikings be able to duplicate the results this weekend? They will need a similar effort by Christian Ponder to upset the Packers in their house.
10. Houston Texans (12-4)
The Texans are floundering. They lost to two teams that they are certainly more talented then to close out the season. Will they be one and done in the playoffs? They better not be.
9. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
Ray Lewis is probably going to play his last game in Baltimore this weekend. I was going to pick the Colts to upset the Ravens, now I am really not so sure about that. This is going to be the “Run for Ray” and I am not sure the Ravens will let it go out in the first round.
8. Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
The Colts also carry a ton of inspiration with coach Chuck Pagano back in the fold. This is going ot be a very interesting matchup to watch and disect and it is very hard for me to wish either team ill as they are both playing for higher causes.
7. Washington Redskins (10-6)
The Redskins took care of business on the back of their stellar rookie runner Alfred Morris. They face a tough challenge when the Seahawks come to town on Sunday. I cannot imagine that the Seahawks defense will allow them to run like Dallas did, so more will be asked of an injured RG3.
6. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)
The Niners took care of business against the lowly Cardinals on Sunday and they got the coveted first-round bye. They need to use the week off as a way to put together a complete game plan on offense. They have not truly found an identity with Kaepernick under center and they will need to find that before the divisional round next week.
5. Seattle Seahawks (11-5)*
Seattle had a tough game against the rival Rams on Sunday, but Wilson carried his team to yet another win. However, they face another stellar young rookie signal caller on Sunday. This defense gets Brandon Browner back for the playoffs and that only makes an awesome defense even better. The Seahawks must prove they are a great road team in the playoffs.
4. Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
The Falcons looked a little confused as to how they wanted to play on Sunday as far as resting starters. The team has elected to practice through the bye week which is a good move considering they cannot get complacent given their history. The pressure will be on next week.
3. Green Bay Packers (11-5)*
The Packers lost last week, but I still consider them the top team in the NFC. I expect them to win against the Vikings in the rematch and they will be a tough opponent for either the Falcons or Niners the following week.
2. New England Patriots (12-4)
New England decided to show their dominance, and gain a bye, by shutting out the Dolphins in week 17. The Patriots will be rested and ready for whatever unlucky team faces them next week.
1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
A good team has not challenged the Broncos for weeks now, but they also didn’t let any of those other teams hang around. Peyton Manning needs to make sure he lets these young players know that nothing from the last 17 weeks matters. It all starts over now.
